No. 11 Auburn heads to No. 4 Houston for a Saturday night rematch of last season’s NCAA Tournament clash.
The Cougars beat the Tigers 81-64 in the second round in March and both teams have rosters loaded with players who experienced that game.
A defensive showdown could await, as Kenpom.com analytics has Houston ranked No. 1 and Auburn No. 2.
“We are the two top teams on defense in the country according to Kenpom,” Tigers coach Bruce Pearl said. “So, it could be the first team to score 50 points wins.”
Preseason All-American Johni Broome had 12 points and seven rebounds in a 94-43 season-opening home win against Vermont on Wednesday. Miles Kelly came off the bench to lead Auburn (1-0) with 21 points. Denver Jones scored 16 points, Chaney Johnson added 13 and Chad Baker-Mazara had 11.
Because the Tigers have a deep, veteran roster, Houston coach Kelvin Sampson said he expects at least 10 Auburn players will get double-digit minutes in playing time.
“You have got to be really on your execution on baseline out of bounds plays, sidelines out of bounds plays and out of timeout plays,” Sampson said. “(Auburn) plays anywhere from five to seven different defenses and has a first-team All-American. Which means every game they play they’ll be favored to win because they have the best player on the floor just about every night.”
Houston (1-0) opened its season with a 97-40 home win against Jackson State on Monday. LJ Cryer had 16 points, Mylik Wilson scored 15 and J’Wan Roberts (14) and Ramon Walker Jr. (10) also scored in double figures.
The Cougars shot 60 percent from 3-point range (12 of 20) and scored 47 points off the bench. Jackson State was held to zero fast break points and only managed two second-chance points.
“Houston is well coached,” Pearl said. “Kelvin Sampson teams have played the same way for a long time. They play hard, they play physical and are a great rebounding team. They are a great defensive team that wins every 50-50 ball. They play the right way and as a team. There’s a culture there for sure.”
Pearl said the team that wins the rebounding battle will hold an advantage. Auburn held a 43-31 edge against Vermont and Houston outrebounded Jackson State 39-25.
“They bring back all but one player, so we are going to get exposed,” Pearl said. “We think it’ll be important as to whoever wins the rebounding battle.”
Both coaches are veterans and know each other well, which might not always be an advantage according to Sampson.
“Bruce’s teams are always hard to play against,” Sampson said. “Some teams are hard to prepare for but easier to play against. Then there are teams that are hard to prepare for and hard to play against. His teams are like that. They create havoc because every possession is an opportunity to force a turnover.”
This is the first in a home-and-home series between the two teams. Next year the Cougars will travel to Alabama to play the Tigers.
–Field Level Media
